Two-time world champion Oscar Valdez is coming home. Valdez will headline a 10-round junior lightweight main event against San Antonio’s Ricky “El Castigo” Medina on Saturday, September 6, at Domo Binacional in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico — his hometown. This marks Valdez’s first fight in Mexico since 2013 and could be the start of one last world title push. The event is promoted by Zanfer Boxing and Top Rank, with tickets available now at www.xticket.mx. “Oscar Valdez is a proud warrior, and this is a great opportunity for him to return home and prove he still has what it takes to contend at 130 pounds,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Oscar has been with Top Rank since he turned pro, and we’re in his corner as he aims to become a three-time world champion.” Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs), a two-time Mexican Olympian, held the WBO featherweight title, which he defended six times. He later moved up to 130 pounds and scored a devastating knockout over Miguel Berchelt in 2021 to capture the WBC junior lightweight title. But it hasn’t been smooth sailing since. Valdez suffered his first career loss to Shakur Stevenson in a unification bout in 2022. After a bounce-back win over Adam Lopez, he dropped a decision to Emanuel Navarrete and later lost their rematch via sixth-round knockout following a brief TKO win against Liam Wilson. Now 34, Valdez is hoping a win in front of his hometown fans can reignite his championship ambitions. His opponent, Ricky Medina (16-3, 9 KOs), may not have Valdez’s resume, but he’s hungry. After a strong start to his career (13-0), Medina faced setbacks, including a decision loss to Raymond Ford in 2022. He’s traded wins and losses since but most recently stopped Angel Hernandez Pillado in three rounds last December. With both men having something to prove, expect fireworks in Nogales.

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